Which iPod?

Rob,

I agree with most of what you said. I'd love to have the WMA capability, if I could get my hands on another player with decent storage.

What other players have sonics better than or at least at par with iPod?

sorry to ask too many questions, but my knowledge in this area is very limited.

Cheers,
Amal

The reason the iPod is so successful is because it has the best ergonomics. The ease in which you can navigate thru your iPod music collection is unsurpassed. What's the point of having 300 CDs at your fingertips if you cannot intuitively access them? Additionally, iTunes software provides a very slick and seamless integration with your computer and the on-line Apple Music Store. While there may exist some product that audio-wise out performs the iPod family, there is no product that is easier to use. As with nearly all computer products, at a practical level the human interface overwhelms more technically oriented issues. (And it's not like the iPod even sounds bad.)

Amal, no I haven't compared the sound quality of the 20 vs 60 video. Probably have to buy or borrow to do that.

I agree with Onhwy61. It's all about the interface. All mp3 players I have heard sound the same. There is nothing wrong with apple, but there are others that also good.

I always thought the apple-appeal for the audiophiles was the Losless compression (ALC) which was tested by the likes of Stereophile and confirmed to be the most superior compression available today.

I do agree with the ergonomics and the user friendliness etc., but that is not part of the selection criteria for me. I am living with the monstrosity of a ‘tubed-furnace’ in my living room, yet make peace with it!

Cheers,